Badges of Honor 2012

By Andrew Bottrell

[email protected]

There aren’t too many people in ThomasCounty that Gary Eng doesn’t know.

Eng, a 28-year veteran of law enforcementretired from the Nebraska State Patrol inSeptember 2006 to take on the role of ThomasCounty Sheriff, a county of less than 700 peo-ple centered in Thedford.

“You know everybody,” Eng said. “You try totake care of everybody and work things out

the best that you can. There comes a time youwhen you have to do your job and hope every-one understands that.”

In 2006, Thomas County had been without asheriff for about six months, when Eng, whowas familiar with the area after working sev-eral cases in Thomas County, accepted theappointment from the Governor.

“As an investigator I had worked several casesup here in the time they didn’t have the sher-iff,” he said. “I had received some phone callsand comments ‘why don’t you come be oursheriff.’ I love the small town atmosphere. So,

I visited with my wife,checked with NebraskaState Patrol retirementand decided it was timeto make a change.”

Eng will have six yearsof service in ThomasCounty on Oct. 1.

“Every day is some-thing different,” hesaid. “I plan on run-ning again for theThomas CountySheriff ’s Office. Afterthat term, I’ll be 66. Imight slow down afterthat.”

Eng began his careerin March 1984 as apatrolman for theNebraska State Patrol,stationed in McCook inthe Troop D office,where he was namedofficer of the year bythe McCook Chamber

of Commerce in 1988.

He joined the undercover drug division of theNSP in 1991, and the criminal investigationdivision in April of 2000, where he wasinvolved in the manhunt for Charles Moseswho shot Robert Sedlacek, a farmer, nearPaxton in 2000.

“I was part of doing surveillance for Mosesand doing interviews to follow up,” he said.“There was plenty of work for everybody.”

Moses also shot two Nebraska StatePatrolmen during a shootout, and led policeon a manhunt that ended in Wyoming. He wassentenced to 160 years in prison on Jan. 23,2001.

Eng also received an LECC Accommodationfrom the U.S. Attorney’s Office for his work ona murder case in Custer County near Arnold.

“I worked drug division, undercover for 10years. I enjoyed that,” he said. “I don’t meanto sound morbid, but I did enjoy the deathscenes. Trying to figure out what happenedand putting everything together and present-ing it to a prosecutor. It was quite the chal-lenge.”

Eng’s experience also gives other rural sheriffdepartments in the Sandhills a tool in case ofsuspicious deaths.

“I do consulting with several of the smallersheriff ’s departments,” he said. “If they havea death scene, that looks strange or peculiar,they’ll call me and I’ll go over and help them.

Thomas Co. Sheriff callson State Patrol experience

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Police work a brotherhood

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Police K-9, Buddy, aidsinvestigationsAfter Broken Bow Police Department welcomed Buddy, a Dutch shepherd K-9, to thedepartment on June 20, 2009, he got called toduty the very next day, according to K-9Officer Dalen Wood.

"He was deployed to bring an aggressive prisoner out of the back of a patrol car, and itworked," Wood said.

The 16-month-old black and brindle caninewas imported from Czechoslovakia and takeshis commands in Czech, Wood said. BrokenBow Police Department purchased Buddyfrom Worldwide Canine, Inc., in SpringBranch, Texas. The addition of a drug dog tothe department was made possible thanks to agrant of $8,500 from the Custer CountyFoundation, used to purchase the dog, and agrant of $2,500 from the Custer County DrugBoard, used to fund training for Buddy andOfficer Wood.

Wood spent three weeks in Spring Branch,Texas, where he and Buddy trained togetherbefore the new dog was put into service.During the training, Wood and Buddy diddrug searches in jails, halfway houses anddorms, where Buddy did find drugs.

The new K-9 is a dual-purpose dog who cansearch for the odor of narcotics, search and

track humans andbite on command.He can sniff outthe odor of mari-juana, heroin,cocaine, metham-phetamine andsome other drugsas well.

He tracks humansthrough ground d i s p l a c e m e n t ,Wood explained,sniffing to detectwhere someonesteps, which does-n't smell the sameas the groundaround it. He cansniff across dirt,concrete, sand orwater.

Buddy replaced Wood's 11-year-old K-9,Charly, who is finally retired and "living com-fortably" at Wood's home. During his career,Charly helped Wood find one of the largeststate highway seizure of drugs in Nebraska.

"Buddy's got some big shoes to fill," Woodsaid. "Because Charly's awesome."

BrokenBowPolice.com

Officer Dalen Wood is shown with thedepartment's new dual-purpose K-9, Buddy.

By Andrew Bottrell

[email protected]

There’s one thing that each police officer saidabout their work: it’s a brotherhood.

“We consider ourselves a family,” NorthPlatte Police Chief Mike Swain said. “Like afamily, you have your little disruptions, butthose never last long.”

Swain said it’s also the relationship with thecommunity that makes North Platte’s depart-ment special.

“I like going out into the community when I’moff duty,” he said. “There isn’t a place I can gowhere I don’t feel welcome. We can’t work wellwithout the help of our citizens. It goesbeyond the badge. We’re still known as peo-ple.”

Chief Deputy Jim Agler, a North Plattenative, said he wanted to be a policeman at ayoung age, living along 11th Street nearWalnut.

“These officers drove down Walnut to get to12th Street,” he said. “Ever since I was a littlekid, I sat on the curb and watched those guysgo by.”

He also remembers a local police officer,Johnny Wardyn, who taught bicycle safety tohis fifth grade class.

“He had a pearl-handled revolver. I thoughtthat was the coolest thing in the world,” Aglersaid.

Agler began his career in 1977 with the NorthPlatte Police Department, and says he contin-ues the job because of the feeling he getsdoing a public service for the community.

“We’re exposed to the dark side of the com-munity he said. On the other side of that wehelp the victims. The criminal side is a small

[part of what we do],” he said. “It’s my home-town. It’s a pleasure and honor to serve thecommunity.”

Agler has worked in every phase of policework since beginning his career, including apatrolman, the criminal investigation depart-ment and now in administration.

Two other officers are just beginning theircareers.

Braxton Sawyer-Kociemba, a Broken Bownative, just received an associate degree incriminal justice from Mid-Plains CommunityCollege-Broken Bow, and said he grew upplaying cops and robbers.

“I was always the cop,” he said, noting that hehas wanted to be a policeman since he wasfive.

Lisa Citta is a graduate of Dana College inBlair.

“It’s the job I always wanted to have,” shesaid, saying its exciting and she wanted acareer where she could assist the communityshe lived in.

Lt. Rich Hoaglund said he wanted to be anofficer since he was 12, and followed that upwith a associate degree from Mid-PlainsCommunity College.

“Since the day I turned 21, I’ve been an offi-cer,” he said. The now 35-year veteran said helikes the feeling he gets when he helps victimsof a crime.

“I just like the work,” he said. “[We] help peo-ple deal with people who are hurting them. Itgives us an opportunity to bring justice.”

The passion for police work came a little laterin life for Sgt. Kendall Allison, but now 20years into his career, he’s just as passionate asthe rest of the officers in the department.

“It’s pretty rewarding – you’re helping peo-ple,” he said. “Knowing that you did all youcould to solve something, or make a differ-ence.”

Allison said he wasn’t sure what he wanted todo when he entered college.

“I was there to find myself,” he said. A friendof his was working at the jail, and got him ajob, which prompted him to take a criminaljustice class, and he never turned back.

Investigator Russ Poe, who is new to the crim-inal investigation division, grew up outsideBoise where he took classes taught by theNampa, Idaho, Police Department.

“It really got me interested in the wholeaspect,” he said. “It’s something differentevery day.”

Service is one of the main reasons that Poesaid he entered into police work.

“You do get to help people out and have yourchances of saving people,” he said. “You wantto make a difference in your community,because you live in it.”

Poe said he liked the adrenaline of workingon patrol, and said the job is like being on ateam. However, detective work is a little dif-ferent, he said.

“There’s a satisfaction when you close a caseout,” he said.


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ChiefSteve Scott31 Years of Service

CaptainDan Hanson29 Years of Service

SergeantRyan Anderson

11 Years of Service

OfficerTiffany Wood

4 Years of Service

OfficerBrian Johnson

2 Year of Service

PT OfficerLawrence Stump

28 Years of Service

Buddy, K-9Police Service Dog

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Setting new standards of excellence inpolicing through Integrity, Innovation

and Training

OfficerDalen Wood4 Years of Service

Mission/Vision

Professionalism: We will present an image that commands the highest degree of confidence, knowledge and public trust.

Respect: We will respect diverse ideas, cultures and ethnicity, rendering servicesin a fair, courteous and dignified manner.

Integrity: We will conduct ourselves with unwavering high standards of honesty, trust and ethical behavior. We pledge to respond to the needs of all citizens with

compassion, commitment and persistence.

116 South 11th AvenueBroken Bow, NE 68822

308-872-6424308-872-2173

[email protected]

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By Ronda Addy

For most of us, the closest we get to lawenforcement officers is watching them on TVor in the movies. Things look so simple.Within the span of an hour or two, a crime iscommitted, clues are gathered, a suspect iscaught and a confession is received. Ofcourse, real-life law enforcement is nothinglike that. In truth, law enforcement can bestressful and dangerous, whether at the local,state or federal level.

Although the duties of a law enforcementofficer vary according to the level they workat, their main job is the same: to protect thepeople and property within their jurisdiction.They are expected to carry out this duty at alltimes, even when they are off duty. Lawenforcement officers may specialize in areassuch as ballistics, firearm instruction, foren-sics, or handwriting and fingerprint identifi-cation. They may also work in special policeunits such as the canine, harbor patron,horseback, motorcycle, or special weaponsand tactics (SWAT) unit.

At the county level, law enforcement officersinclude the sheriff and deputy sheriff. Theposition of sheriff is normally an elected oneand their duties are similar to those of a localpolice chief, while the duties of a deputy sher-iff are similar to those of general law enforce-ment officers. Most sheriff departments tendto be small with no more than 25 officers.

Every state but Hawaii has state police offi-cers or state troopers or highway patrol offi-cers. Their jurisdiction is statewide and their

duties include issuing traffic citations, direct-ing traffic at accident scenes, administeringemergency first aid and making arrests.

Detectives or plain-clothes investigators typi-cally specialize in one type of crime such ashomicide or narcotics. Their duties includegathering facts and evidence in criminalcases. Detectives are assigned cases on arotating basis, and in order to close a case,they must conduct interviews with witnesses,observe suspects, examine records and assistwith raids and arrests.

At the federal level, there are various organi-zations that involve law enforcement.Following is a brief list of some of them andthe duties involved.

Agents in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives investigate any vio-lations of federal law involving firearms andexplosives. They are also responsible forenforcing federal tax regulations related totobacco and alcohol. Agents can executesearch warrants, conduct interviews and sur-veillance, and examine financial records ofshipping businesses.

Agents in the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI) are responsible for inves-tigating matters relating to bank robbery,blackmail and bribery, civil rights violations,copyright infringement, drug trafficking,espionage, interstate criminal activity, kid-napping, terrorism and white-collar crime.FBI agents can conduct surveillance, exam-ine business records, perform authorizedwiretaps, participate in undercover activi-

ties, collect evidence related to espionageactivity and track the interstate movement ofstolen goods.

Agents in the U.S. Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) are responsible for theenforcement of laws and regulations relatedto illegal drugs. The DEA is also the soleagency responsible for handling U.S. druginvestigations outside the country. In order toaccomplish this, DEA agents can set up sur-veillance of suspected or known suspects andconduct undercover operations and criminalinvestigations.

Agents in the U.S. Marshals Service areresponsible for the transportation of federalprisoners, the protection of federal judgesand witnesses, and the handling of propertyseized in federal criminal investigations.They have the widest jurisdiction of any fed-eral agency.

Agents in the U.S. Immigration andNaturalization Service (INS) are responsiblefor every aspect of border control and immi-gration. Within the INS, some agents special-ize in areas such as border patrol and serve ascriminal investigators, detention and depor-tation officers, and immigration agents andinspectors. The duties of each of these typesof agents varies, but their overall mission isto assist legal immigrants and visitors and tocatch, detain and deport illegal immigrantsand visitors.

Qualifications for these law enforcement jobsvary. All, however, require a special breed ofindividuals who want to help those in need.

To Serve And ProtectB

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SheriffDan Osmond14 Years of Service

Chief DeputyDon Spanel24 Years of Service

SergeantTroy Smith10 Years of Service

DeputyDustin Spanel

7 Years of Service

DeputyBlaine Gibbons

5 Years of Service

DeputyBarrett Gibbons

1 Year of Service

Office ManagerKelli Estergard

28 Years of Service

The Custer County Sheriff's Office goalis to work with the people of

Custer County to help provide effectivelaw enforcement and promote a safe

place to live.

All years of service arethe years spent with theCuster County Sheriff'sOffice.

Dan Osmond, SheriffCuster County Sheriff's Office116 South 11th Ave.Broken Bow, NE 68822p (308) 872-6418f (308) 872-6585

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Thomas County Sheriff: Gary Eng

SheriffGary Eng

28 Years of Service

Gary Eng, SheriffThomas CountySheriff ’s Office

503 Main StThedford, Nebraska 69166

(308)645-2418

I have been in law enforcement sinceMarch of 1984 when I started in TheNebraska State Patrol as a roadtrooper. I was promoted to a Trooper2 in 1986.

In 1988 I was named officer of theyear by the McCook Chamber ofCommerce. I joined the undercoverdrug division in 1991, then joinedthe criminal divison in April 2000and became a Hostage negotiator. InFeb 12, 2000 I received aSuperintendants citation in theCharles Moses case.

In Nov 17, 2003 I received a

Superintendants Group Citation forthe my role in our attempt to arrest8 subjects wanted on a failure toappear where a NSP was woundedand the suspect shot and killed. InMay 2006 I was awarded the LawEnforcement Commitee award aslead investigator in a homicide case.

I retired Sept 28th 2006 from the NSpand was appointed Thomas CountySheriff on Sept 29th 2006 where Icurrently reside. I enjoy being in asmaller community where I feel Ican serve better due to the more personal relationships I havedeveloped.

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SCHROEDER & SCHROEDER, P.C.JON S. SCHROEDER

Attorney at Law

213 Center Ave.P.O. Box 4Curtis, NE 69025308-367-4141 Frontier County Attorney

[email protected]

First Bank & Trust100 North Main St.

Eustis, NE 69028308-486-5666


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SheriffThomas Dow22 Years of Service

Tom grew up in Harlen County Nebraska. Graduatedfrom Orleans High School. Wife Tammy and childrenTerry and wife Crystal of Omaha NE, Tiffani and Tannerof Hayes Center.

Tom has always been interested in law enforcement. It isa rewarding experience working with and helping thepeople of the county and dealing with the many chal-lenges facing county government.

Daniel Rupp, SheriffFrontier County

Sheriff ’s OfficePO Box 320

Curtis, NE 69025(308)367-4411

Fax:(308)367-4268

SheriffDaniel Rupp17 Years of Service

Thomas Dow, SheriffHayes County Sheriff ’s OfficeP.O. Box 86505 Troth StreetHayes Center, NE 69032(308) 286-3364

TrooperKayla Farrell

TrooperMatt Adams

TrooperNicholas Jones

TrooperShane Belgum

TrooperTroy Goodschmidt

Deputy SheriffBret Whittaker

15 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffScott Earhart12 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffWillard Carpenter

6 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffDerick Hansen

1 Year of Service

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Debo, K-9Police Service Dog

4 year old Belgium Malinois

• Handler: Deputy Gaasch

• He is a Dual Purpose K-9 used for Drug Detection, Evidence Recovery, Tracking,and Criminal Apprehension

• Nationally Certified Through NNDDA

• Been on the road since May of 2010

• Was deployed 57 times in 2011

• Located all types of narcotics that he is certified in:Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine

• Total money seized in 2011 with assistance from K9 Zeigo: $95,500.00

K-9 Zeigo

K-9 Debo3 year old Belgium Malinoiswith 1 year of service

• Handler: Trooper Jeremiah Johnson

• Dual Purpose K-9, trained in Narcotics Detection and Patrol

• Utilized in numerous narcotic searches, cash seizures, building searches and tracks.

• Results led to several misdemeanor and felony arrests

K-9 Max, RETIRED

German Shepherdwho served from 2001-2011

• Handler: Lieutenant Stokey



• Results led to several misdemeanor and felony arrests

The K-9 handler is a very special breedof law enforcement officer, one that is willingto commit to a 24/7 job. Each handler andtheir K-9 partner are carefully selected andultimately share every aspect of their lives.

TrooperJeremiah Johnson

Deputy Gaaschand Zeigo, K-9

Police Service Dog

Max, K-9Police Service Dog


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SheriffJonathan S. Heflin

4 Years of Service

DeputySean T. Carson

10 Years of Service

Jonathan Heflin, SheriffLogan County

Sheriff ’s Office317 Main St

Stapleton, Nebraska 69163(308)636-2288

TrooperWill Cleveland

TrooperBrock Mickelson

TrooperDion Neumiller

TrooperEric Janssen

TrooperJohn Hadaway

TrooperJustin Buhlke

TrooperKristine Hunzeker

TrooperNathan Veal

TrooperRyan Hayes

TrooperTed Gans

TrooperBarry Hinkle

TrooperCarolyn O’Brien

TrooperDoug Petty

TrooperJ.J. Pedersen

TrooperJohn Wagner

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Chris Hall Kathy Schultz

Terry Welch

No Photo Available

Lola MerriganTerri Snare


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The mission of the Lincoln CountySheriff’s Office is to preserve the Peace inLincoln County, Nebraska by serving our

citizens and visitors with the highestlevel of public safety. We are dedicated

to providing professional service byexemplifying honor, integrity, honesty,compassion, leadership, professional

competence, and respect, whileconducting ourselves with supreme

ethical standards and preserving theConstitutional Rights of all; free and

seized.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officestrives to provide highly trained and

professional Staff who will protect lifeand property through enforcement of

regulations, ordinances, and laws. The Staff pledges a commitment topublic service while also providing

non-enforcement assistance to citizens in need.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office shallendeavor to provide a positive, proactive,

and productive work environmentthrough continual communication,training and Staff participation.

Jerome K. Kramer, Sheriff302 N Jeffers

North Platte, Nebraska 69101Non-emergency: (308)534-4350

SheriffJerome K. Kramer

29 Years of Service

Chief DeputyRoland L. Kramer

17 Years of Service

LieutenantDan Newton17 Years of Service

SergeantLonnie McDonald

31 Years of Service

SergeantCasey Nelms29 Years of Service

SergeantJohn Davis22 Years of Service

SergeantWayne Connell

13 Years of Service

SergeantDustin Achenbach

11 Years of Service

CorporalMerit Newman

11 Years of Service

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TrooperJon Sanko

TrooperKenneth Moody

TrooperMatt Schmit

TrooperPeter Rutherford

TrooperShanon Koubek

TrooperTyler Schmidt

TrooperBrandon Wilkie

TrooperDan Thompson

TrooperEric Hesser

TrooperJeff Van Stelton

TrooperJoseph Hansen

TrooperKevin Horst

TrooperMatthew Naughtin

TrooperRobert Golden

TrooperStephen Monfee

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CorporalLarry Meyer7 Years of Service

CorporalDevin Ruff5 Years of Service

DeputyDan Barker26 Years of Service

DeputyJim Crown

22 Years of Service

DeputyCharles Nichols

15 Years of Service

DeputyBrent Lundgreen

10 Years of Service

DeputySeason Trevino

8 Years of Service

DeputyRobert Zeiler7 Years of Service

DeputyBrad Peltier6 Years of Service

DeputyJeff Gaasch5 Years of Service

DeputyTom Courter4 Years of Service

DeputyHeath Bellinger

New Hire

SergeantBuck Boje

Sergeant Kyle Diefenbaugh

SergeantCory Halverson

SergeantMartin Denton

Sergeant Aaron Watson

SergeantJoel Smith

SergeantRobert Rose

InvestigatorClinton Elwood

InvestigatorJeff Rogers

InvestigatorMichael Dowling

InvestigatorCarlos Trevino

TrooperBen Brakenhoff

TrooperChad Phaby

TrooperEddie Martens

TrooperJarrod Connelly

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DeputyTim Kirk

New Hire

DeputyAdam Cooper

New Hire

Office ManagerKathy Wilkens

11 Years of Service

Office ClerkSally Wilhelmson

13 Years of Service

Office ClerkPatty Covey7 Years of Service

Office ClerkDelicia Mata6 Years of Service

Office ClerkLexie Ruzicka

4 Years of Service

Detention Center ClerkMarla Haines11 Years of Service

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300 West South River RoadNorth Platte, NE 691014(308)535-8047

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is Nebraska’s onlystatewide full-service law enforcement agency. ServingNebraska since 1937, NSP officers perform a wide vari-ety of duties. Those duties include working with com-

munities to improve public safety; enforcing traffic,criminal and drug laws; investigating crimes, as wellas enforcing the laws and federal regulations pertain-

ing to commercial motor carriers.

CaptainJim Parrish

LieutenantKirk Hansel

Lieutenant Mark Stokey

Lieutenant Lynn Williams

LieutenantDan Riens

SergeantBob Veal

SergeantKorey Johnson

SergeantTim Arnold

NE

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Did you know...The first full-time, paid law enforcement officers were hired bythe City of Boston in 1712.


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SheriffJohn Haller20 Years of Service

John Haller, SheriffMcPherson CountySheriff ’s OfficeEmergency ManagementDirector500 Anderson StTryon, Nebraska 69167Phone: 308-587-2445FAX: 308-587-2599Cell: 308-530-1980

McPherson County Sheriff ’s Office Data

Senior DeputyTom Burch38 Years of Service

Reserve DeputyPat McNeil31 Years of Service

Reserve DeputyJon McNeel37 Years of Service

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Patrol LieutenantRich Hoagland

35 Years of Service

Support LieutenantSteve Reeves24 Years of Service

ChiefMike Swain37 Years of Service

Deputy ChiefJim Agler

35 Years of Service

InvestigationsLieutenant

Rich Thompson34 Years of Service

NNOORRTTHH PPLLAATTTTEE PPOOLLIICCEE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTTEEMMPPLLOOYYEEEESSInvestigations Sergeant Steve Toelle, 34 yearsPatrol Sergeant Kendall Allison, 24 yearsPatrol Sergeant Jeff Hoaglund, 30 yearsPatrol Sergeant Gary Hovey, 26 yearsPatrol Sergeant Jeff Foote, 23 yearsInvestigator James Ady, 21 yearsInvestigator Monte McNeil, 17 yearsInvestigator Roger Freeze, 17 yearsInvestigator Dale Matuszczak, 11 yearsInvestigator Dan Shea, 13 yearsInvestigator John Stadler, 10 yearsInvestigator Jason Gale, 14 yearsInvestigator John Deal, 8 yearsInvestigator Nate Weems, 7 yearsInvestigator Tim Nielsen, 11 yearsInvestigator Russ Poe, 10 yearsPolice Officer Jay Niles, 15 yearsPolice Officer Brian Folchert, 14 yearsPolice Officer Matt Phillips, 33 yearsPolice Officer Troy Erickson, 13 yearsPolice Officer Tim Dowhower, 12 yearsPolice Officer Brandon Myers, 12 years

Police Officer Scott Baker, 11 yearsPolice Officer Rick Harms, 11 yearsPolice Officer Nick Tonkinson, 8 yearsPolice Officer Jim Hagen, 8 yearsPolice Officer Chris Ablard, 7 yearsPolice Officer Levi Gibbs, 6 yearsPolice Officer David Turner, 6 yearsPolice Officer Adam Charter, 5 yearsPolice Officer Travis Roth, 5 yearsPolice Officer Rodney Brown, 4 yearsPolice Officer Adam Miller, 3 yearsPolice Officer Jay Meduna, 1 yearPolice Officer Braxton Sawyer-Kociemba, newPolice Officer Lisa Citta, new

CCIIVVIILLIIAANN EEMMPPLLOOYYEEEESSAdministrative Secretary III

Ronda Livingston, 23 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Supervisor

Mary Ann Agler, 37 yearsClerk/Dispatcher II

Kendra Younghans, 30 yearsClerk/Dispatcher II Connie Kramer, 22 yearsPublic Safety Employee Joan Lerch, 20 years

Public Safety EmployeeBrandon Herrada, 4 months

Clerk/Dispatcher Sharon Martens, 37 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Kathy Kuenning, 35 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Delores Fraser, 27 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Melinda Baker, 14 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Jason Eastman, 12 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Teresa Thompson, 8 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Dale Hawley, 4 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Kellie Whyte, 3 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Deanna Shaw, 2 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Krystal Stremel, 8 moClerk/Dispatcher Sara Pulido, 8 moEvidence/Property Tech. Gayle Reed, 8 yearsAnimal Control Supervisor Kerri Ross, 6 yearsAnimal Control Officer Eric Schultz, 15 yearsAnimal Control Officer John Pettit, 10 yearsAnimal Shelter Attendant

Dixie Lehmkuhler, 11 yearsPolice Clerk Stephanie Dilley, 14 yearsPolice Clerk Liz Albrecht-Connelly, 8 yearsPolice Clerk Nola Yonker, 9 yearsP/T Data Entry Clerk Julie Wareham, 2 years

North Platte Police Department701 S. JeffersNorth Platte NE 69101Telephone: (308) 535-6789 Fax: (308) 535-6715

Mission/Vision It is the mission of the North Platte

Police Department to preserve the peace and order and to enforce the

laws, ordinances, and rulings of the State and City.




Did you know...Eighty percent of Americans will be the victim of violent crimeat least once in their lifetime.

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SheriffJohn Haller20 Years of Service

John Haller, SheriffMcPherson CountySheriff ’s OfficeEmergency ManagementDirector500 Anderson StTryon, Nebraska 69167Phone: 308-587-2445FAX: 308-587-2599Cell: 308-530-1980

McPherson County Sheriff ’s Office Data

Senior DeputyTom Burch38 Years of Service

Reserve DeputyPat McNeil31 Years of Service

Reserve DeputyJon McNeel37 Years of Service

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Patrol LieutenantRich Hoagland

35 Years of Service

Support LieutenantSteve Reeves24 Years of Service

ChiefMike Swain37 Years of Service

Deputy ChiefJim Agler

35 Years of Service

InvestigationsLieutenant

Rich Thompson34 Years of Service

NNOORRTTHH PPLLAATTTTEE PPOOLLIICCEE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTTEEMMPPLLOOYYEEEESSInvestigations Sergeant Steve Toelle, 34 yearsPatrol Sergeant Kendall Allison, 24 yearsPatrol Sergeant Jeff Hoaglund, 30 yearsPatrol Sergeant Gary Hovey, 26 yearsPatrol Sergeant Jeff Foote, 23 yearsInvestigator James Ady, 21 yearsInvestigator Monte McNeil, 17 yearsInvestigator Roger Freeze, 17 yearsInvestigator Dale Matuszczak, 11 yearsInvestigator Dan Shea, 13 yearsInvestigator John Stadler, 10 yearsInvestigator Jason Gale, 14 yearsInvestigator John Deal, 8 yearsInvestigator Nate Weems, 7 yearsInvestigator Tim Nielsen, 11 yearsInvestigator Russ Poe, 10 yearsPolice Officer Jay Niles, 15 yearsPolice Officer Brian Folchert, 14 yearsPolice Officer Matt Phillips, 33 yearsPolice Officer Troy Erickson, 13 yearsPolice Officer Tim Dowhower, 12 yearsPolice Officer Brandon Myers, 12 years

Police Officer Scott Baker, 11 yearsPolice Officer Rick Harms, 11 yearsPolice Officer Nick Tonkinson, 8 yearsPolice Officer Jim Hagen, 8 yearsPolice Officer Chris Ablard, 7 yearsPolice Officer Levi Gibbs, 6 yearsPolice Officer David Turner, 6 yearsPolice Officer Adam Charter, 5 yearsPolice Officer Travis Roth, 5 yearsPolice Officer Rodney Brown, 4 yearsPolice Officer Adam Miller, 3 yearsPolice Officer Jay Meduna, 1 yearPolice Officer Braxton Sawyer-Kociemba, newPolice Officer Lisa Citta, new

CCIIVVIILLIIAANN EEMMPPLLOOYYEEEESSAdministrative Secretary III

Ronda Livingston, 23 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Supervisor

Mary Ann Agler, 37 yearsClerk/Dispatcher II

Kendra Younghans, 30 yearsClerk/Dispatcher II Connie Kramer, 22 yearsPublic Safety Employee Joan Lerch, 20 years

Public Safety EmployeeBrandon Herrada, 4 months

Clerk/Dispatcher Sharon Martens, 37 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Kathy Kuenning, 35 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Delores Fraser, 27 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Melinda Baker, 14 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Jason Eastman, 12 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Teresa Thompson, 8 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Dale Hawley, 4 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Kellie Whyte, 3 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Deanna Shaw, 2 yearsClerk/Dispatcher Krystal Stremel, 8 moClerk/Dispatcher Sara Pulido, 8 moEvidence/Property Tech. Gayle Reed, 8 yearsAnimal Control Supervisor Kerri Ross, 6 yearsAnimal Control Officer Eric Schultz, 15 yearsAnimal Control Officer John Pettit, 10 yearsAnimal Shelter Attendant

Dixie Lehmkuhler, 11 yearsPolice Clerk Stephanie Dilley, 14 yearsPolice Clerk Liz Albrecht-Connelly, 8 yearsPolice Clerk Nola Yonker, 9 yearsP/T Data Entry Clerk Julie Wareham, 2 years

North Platte Police Department701 S. JeffersNorth Platte NE 69101Telephone: (308) 535-6789 Fax: (308) 535-6715







Did you know...Eighty percent of Americans will be the victim of violent crimeat least once in their lifetime.

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Badges of Honor 16 pgs.qxd 9/25/2012 9:18 AM Page 10

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DeputyTim Kirk

New Hire

DeputyAdam Cooper

New Hire

Office ManagerKathy Wilkens

11 Years of Service

Office ClerkSally Wilhelmson

13 Years of Service

Office ClerkPatty Covey7 Years of Service

Office ClerkDelicia Mata6 Years of Service

Office ClerkLexie Ruzicka

4 Years of Service

Detention Center ClerkMarla Haines11 Years of Service

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300 West South River RoadNorth Platte, NE 691014(308)535-8047

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is Nebraska’s onlystatewide full-service law enforcement agency. ServingNebraska since 1937, NSP officers perform a wide vari-ety of duties. Those duties include working with com-

munities to improve public safety; enforcing traffic,criminal and drug laws; investigating crimes, as wellas enforcing the laws and federal regulations pertain-

ing to commercial motor carriers.

CaptainJim Parrish

LieutenantKirk Hansel

Lieutenant Mark Stokey

Lieutenant Lynn Williams

LieutenantDan Riens

SergeantBob Veal

SergeantKorey Johnson

SergeantTim Arnold

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Did you know...The first full-time, paid law enforcement officers were hired bythe City of Boston in 1712.


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CorporalLarry Meyer7 Years of Service

CorporalDevin Ruff5 Years of Service

DeputyDan Barker26 Years of Service

DeputyJim Crown

22 Years of Service

DeputyCharles Nichols

15 Years of Service

DeputyBrent Lundgreen

10 Years of Service

DeputySeason Trevino

8 Years of Service

DeputyRobert Zeiler7 Years of Service

DeputyBrad Peltier6 Years of Service

DeputyJeff Gaasch5 Years of Service

DeputyTom Courter4 Years of Service

DeputyHeath Bellinger

New Hire

SergeantBuck Boje

Sergeant Kyle Diefenbaugh

SergeantCory Halverson

SergeantMartin Denton

Sergeant Aaron Watson

SergeantJoel Smith

SergeantRobert Rose

InvestigatorClinton Elwood

InvestigatorJeff Rogers

InvestigatorMichael Dowling

InvestigatorCarlos Trevino

TrooperBen Brakenhoff

TrooperChad Phaby

TrooperEddie Martens

TrooperJarrod Connelly

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The mission of the Lincoln CountySheriff’s Office is to preserve the Peace inLincoln County, Nebraska by serving our

citizens and visitors with the highestlevel of public safety. We are dedicated

to providing professional service byexemplifying honor, integrity, honesty,compassion, leadership, professional

competence, and respect, whileconducting ourselves with supreme

ethical standards and preserving theConstitutional Rights of all; free and

seized.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officestrives to provide highly trained and

professional Staff who will protect lifeand property through enforcement of

regulations, ordinances, and laws. The Staff pledges a commitment topublic service while also providing

non-enforcement assistance to citizens in need.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office shallendeavor to provide a positive, proactive,

and productive work environmentthrough continual communication,training and Staff participation.

Jerome K. Kramer, Sheriff302 N Jeffers

North Platte, Nebraska 69101Non-emergency: (308)534-4350

SheriffJerome K. Kramer

29 Years of Service

Chief DeputyRoland L. Kramer

17 Years of Service

LieutenantDan Newton17 Years of Service

SergeantLonnie McDonald

31 Years of Service

SergeantCasey Nelms29 Years of Service

SergeantJohn Davis22 Years of Service

SergeantWayne Connell

13 Years of Service

SergeantDustin Achenbach

11 Years of Service

CorporalMerit Newman

11 Years of Service

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TrooperJon Sanko

TrooperKenneth Moody

TrooperMatt Schmit

TrooperPeter Rutherford

TrooperShanon Koubek

TrooperTyler Schmidt

TrooperBrandon Wilkie

TrooperDan Thompson

TrooperEric Hesser

TrooperJeff Van Stelton

TrooperJoseph Hansen

TrooperKevin Horst

TrooperMatthew Naughtin

TrooperRobert Golden

TrooperStephen Monfee

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SheriffJonathan S. Heflin

4 Years of Service

DeputySean T. Carson

10 Years of Service

Jonathan Heflin, SheriffLogan County

Sheriff ’s Office317 Main St

Stapleton, Nebraska 69163(308)636-2288

TrooperWill Cleveland

TrooperBrock Mickelson

TrooperDion Neumiller

TrooperEric Janssen

TrooperJohn Hadaway

TrooperJustin Buhlke

TrooperKristine Hunzeker

TrooperNathan Veal

TrooperRyan Hayes

TrooperTed Gans

TrooperBarry Hinkle

TrooperCarolyn O’Brien

TrooperDoug Petty

TrooperJ.J. Pedersen

TrooperJohn Wagner

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Chris Hall Kathy Schultz

Terry Welch

No Photo Available

Lola MerriganTerri Snare


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SheriffThomas Dow22 Years of Service

Tom grew up in Harlen County Nebraska. Graduatedfrom Orleans High School. Wife Tammy and childrenTerry and wife Crystal of Omaha NE, Tiffani and Tannerof Hayes Center.

Tom has always been interested in law enforcement. It isa rewarding experience working with and helping thepeople of the county and dealing with the many chal-lenges facing county government.

Daniel Rupp, SheriffFrontier County

Sheriff ’s OfficePO Box 320

Curtis, NE 69025(308)367-4411

Fax:(308)367-4268

SheriffDaniel Rupp17 Years of Service

Thomas Dow, SheriffHayes County Sheriff ’s OfficeP.O. Box 86505 Troth StreetHayes Center, NE 69032(308) 286-3364

TrooperKayla Farrell

TrooperMatt Adams

TrooperNicholas Jones

TrooperShane Belgum

TrooperTroy Goodschmidt

Deputy SheriffBret Whittaker

15 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffScott Earhart12 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffWillard Carpenter

6 Years of Service

Deputy SheriffDerick Hansen

1 Year of Service

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Debo, K-9Police Service Dog

4 year old Belgium Malinois

• Handler: Deputy Gaasch

• He is a Dual Purpose K-9 used for Drug Detection, Evidence Recovery, Tracking,and Criminal Apprehension

• Nationally Certified Through NNDDA

• Been on the road since May of 2010

• Was deployed 57 times in 2011

• Located all types of narcotics that he is certified in:Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine

• Total money seized in 2011 with assistance from K9 Zeigo: $95,500.00

K-9 Zeigo

K-9 Debo3 year old Belgium Malinoiswith 1 year of service

• Handler: Trooper Jeremiah Johnson



• Results led to several misdemeanor and felony arrests

K-9 Max, RETIRED

German Shepherdwho served from 2001-2011

• Handler: Lieutenant Stokey



• Results led to several misdemeanor and felony arrests

The K-9 handler is a very special breedof law enforcement officer, one that is willingto commit to a 24/7 job. Each handler andtheir K-9 partner are carefully selected andultimately share every aspect of their lives.

TrooperJeremiah Johnson

Deputy Gaaschand Zeigo, K-9

Police Service Dog

Max, K-9Police Service Dog


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SheriffDan Osmond14 Years of Service

Chief DeputyDon Spanel24 Years of Service

SergeantTroy Smith10 Years of Service

DeputyDustin Spanel

7 Years of Service

DeputyBlaine Gibbons

5 Years of Service

DeputyBarrett Gibbons

1 Year of Service

Office ManagerKelli Estergard

28 Years of Service

The Custer County Sheriff's Office goalis to work with the people of

Custer County to help provide effectivelaw enforcement and promote a safe

place to live.

All years of service arethe years spent with theCuster County Sheriff'sOffice.

Dan Osmond, SheriffCuster County Sheriff's Office116 South 11th Ave.Broken Bow, NE 68822p (308) 872-6418f (308) 872-6585

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Thomas County Sheriff: Gary Eng

SheriffGary Eng

28 Years of Service

Gary Eng, SheriffThomas CountySheriff ’s Office

503 Main StThedford, Nebraska 69166

(308)645-2418

I have been in law enforcement sinceMarch of 1984 when I started in TheNebraska State Patrol as a roadtrooper. I was promoted to a Trooper2 in 1986.

In 1988 I was named officer of theyear by the McCook Chamber ofCommerce. I joined the undercoverdrug division in 1991, then joinedthe criminal divison in April 2000and became a Hostage negotiator. InFeb 12, 2000 I received aSuperintendants citation in theCharles Moses case.

In Nov 17, 2003 I received a

Superintendants Group Citation forthe my role in our attempt to arrest8 subjects wanted on a failure toappear where a NSP was woundedand the suspect shot and killed. InMay 2006 I was awarded the LawEnforcement Commitee award aslead investigator in a homicide case.

I retired Sept 28th 2006 from the NSpand was appointed Thomas CountySheriff on Sept 29th 2006 where Icurrently reside. I enjoy being in asmaller community where I feel Ican serve better due to the more personal relationships I havedeveloped.

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SCHROEDER & SCHROEDER, P.C.JON S. SCHROEDER

Attorney at Law

213 Center Ave.P.O. Box 4Curtis, NE 69025308-367-4141 Frontier County Attorney

[email protected]

First Bank & Trust100 North Main St.

Eustis, NE 69028308-486-5666


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ChiefSteve Scott31 Years of Service

CaptainDan Hanson29 Years of Service

SergeantRyan Anderson

11 Years of Service

OfficerTiffany Wood

4 Years of Service

OfficerBrian Johnson

2 Year of Service

PT OfficerLawrence Stump

28 Years of Service

Buddy, K-9Police Service Dog

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Setting new standards of excellence inpolicing through Integrity, Innovation

and Training

OfficerDalen Wood4 Years of Service

Mission/Vision

Professionalism: We will present an image that commands the highest degree of confidence, knowledge and public trust.

Respect: We will respect diverse ideas, cultures and ethnicity, rendering servicesin a fair, courteous and dignified manner.

Integrity: We will conduct ourselves with unwavering high standards of honesty, trust and ethical behavior. We pledge to respond to the needs of all citizens with

compassion, commitment and persistence.

116 South 11th AvenueBroken Bow, NE 68822

308-872-6424308-872-2173

[email protected]

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By Ronda Addy

For most of us, the closest we get to lawenforcement officers is watching them on TVor in the movies. Things look so simple.Within the span of an hour or two, a crime iscommitted, clues are gathered, a suspect iscaught and a confession is received. Ofcourse, real-life law enforcement is nothinglike that. In truth, law enforcement can bestressful and dangerous, whether at the local,state or federal level.

Although the duties of a law enforcementofficer vary according to the level they workat, their main job is the same: to protect thepeople and property within their jurisdiction.They are expected to carry out this duty at alltimes, even when they are off duty. Lawenforcement officers may specialize in areassuch as ballistics, firearm instruction, foren-sics, or handwriting and fingerprint identifi-cation. They may also work in special policeunits such as the canine, harbor patron,horseback, motorcycle, or special weaponsand tactics (SWAT) unit.

At the county level, law enforcement officersinclude the sheriff and deputy sheriff. Theposition of sheriff is normally an elected oneand their duties are similar to those of a localpolice chief, while the duties of a deputy sher-iff are similar to those of general law enforce-ment officers. Most sheriff departments tendto be small with no more than 25 officers.

Every state but Hawaii has state police offi-cers or state troopers or highway patrol offi-cers. Their jurisdiction is statewide and their

duties include issuing traffic citations, direct-ing traffic at accident scenes, administeringemergency first aid and making arrests.

Detectives or plain-clothes investigators typi-cally specialize in one type of crime such ashomicide or narcotics. Their duties includegathering facts and evidence in criminalcases. Detectives are assigned cases on arotating basis, and in order to close a case,they must conduct interviews with witnesses,observe suspects, examine records and assistwith raids and arrests.

At the federal level, there are various organi-zations that involve law enforcement.Following is a brief list of some of them andthe duties involved.

Agents in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives investigate any vio-lations of federal law involving firearms andexplosives. They are also responsible forenforcing federal tax regulations related totobacco and alcohol. Agents can executesearch warrants, conduct interviews and sur-veillance, and examine financial records ofshipping businesses.

Agents in the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation (FBI) are responsible for inves-tigating matters relating to bank robbery,blackmail and bribery, civil rights violations,copyright infringement, drug trafficking,espionage, interstate criminal activity, kid-napping, terrorism and white-collar crime.FBI agents can conduct surveillance, exam-ine business records, perform authorizedwiretaps, participate in undercover activi-

ties, collect evidence related to espionageactivity and track the interstate movement ofstolen goods.

Agents in the U.S. Drug EnforcementAdministration (DEA) are responsible for theenforcement of laws and regulations relatedto illegal drugs. The DEA is also the soleagency responsible for handling U.S. druginvestigations outside the country. In order toaccomplish this, DEA agents can set up sur-veillance of suspected or known suspects andconduct undercover operations and criminalinvestigations.

Agents in the U.S. Marshals Service areresponsible for the transportation of federalprisoners, the protection of federal judgesand witnesses, and the handling of propertyseized in federal criminal investigations.They have the widest jurisdiction of any fed-eral agency.

Agents in the U.S. Immigration andNaturalization Service (INS) are responsiblefor every aspect of border control and immi-gration. Within the INS, some agents special-ize in areas such as border patrol and serve ascriminal investigators, detention and depor-tation officers, and immigration agents andinspectors. The duties of each of these typesof agents varies, but their overall mission isto assist legal immigrants and visitors and tocatch, detain and deport illegal immigrantsand visitors.

Qualifications for these law enforcement jobsvary. All, however, require a special breed ofindividuals who want to help those in need.

To Serve And Protect

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Police work a brotherhood

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Police K-9, Buddy, aidsinvestigationsAfter Broken Bow Police Department welcomed Buddy, a Dutch shepherd K-9, to thedepartment on June 20, 2009, he got called toduty the very next day, according to K-9Officer Dalen Wood.

"He was deployed to bring an aggressive prisoner out of the back of a patrol car, and itworked," Wood said.

The 16-month-old black and brindle caninewas imported from Czechoslovakia and takeshis commands in Czech, Wood said. BrokenBow Police Department purchased Buddyfrom Worldwide Canine, Inc., in SpringBranch, Texas. The addition of a drug dog tothe department was made possible thanks to agrant of $8,500 from the Custer CountyFoundation, used to purchase the dog, and agrant of $2,500 from the Custer County DrugBoard, used to fund training for Buddy andOfficer Wood.

Wood spent three weeks in Spring Branch,Texas, where he and Buddy trained togetherbefore the new dog was put into service.During the training, Wood and Buddy diddrug searches in jails, halfway houses anddorms, where Buddy did find drugs.

The new K-9 is a dual-purpose dog who cansearch for the odor of narcotics, search and

track humans andbite on command.He can sniff outthe odor of mari-juana, heroin,cocaine, metham-phetamine andsome other drugsas well.

He tracks humansthrough ground d i s p l a c e m e n t ,Wood explained,sniffing to detectwhere someonesteps, which does-n't smell the sameas the groundaround it. He cansniff across dirt,concrete, sand orwater.

Buddy replaced Wood's 11-year-old K-9,Charly, who is finally retired and "living com-fortably" at Wood's home. During his career,Charly helped Wood find one of the largeststate highway seizure of drugs in Nebraska.

"Buddy's got some big shoes to fill," Woodsaid. "Because Charly's awesome."

BrokenBowPolice.com

Officer Dalen Wood is shown with thedepartment's new dual-purpose K-9, Buddy.

By Andrew Bottrell

[email protected]

There’s one thing that each police officer saidabout their work: it’s a brotherhood.

“We consider ourselves a family,” NorthPlatte Police Chief Mike Swain said. “Like afamily, you have your little disruptions, butthose never last long.”

Swain said it’s also the relationship with thecommunity that makes North Platte’s depart-ment special.

“I like going out into the community when I’moff duty,” he said. “There isn’t a place I can gowhere I don’t feel welcome. We can’t work wellwithout the help of our citizens. It goesbeyond the badge. We’re still known as peo-ple.”

Chief Deputy Jim Agler, a North Plattenative, said he wanted to be a policeman at ayoung age, living along 11th Street nearWalnut.

“These officers drove down Walnut to get to12th Street,” he said. “Ever since I was a littlekid, I sat on the curb and watched those guysgo by.”

He also remembers a local police officer,Johnny Wardyn, who taught bicycle safety tohis fifth grade class.

“He had a pearl-handled revolver. I thoughtthat was the coolest thing in the world,” Aglersaid.

Agler began his career in 1977 with the NorthPlatte Police Department, and says he contin-ues the job because of the feeling he getsdoing a public service for the community.

“We’re exposed to the dark side of the com-munity he said. On the other side of that wehelp the victims. The criminal side is a small

[part of what we do],” he said. “It’s my home-town. It’s a pleasure and honor to serve thecommunity.”

Agler has worked in every phase of policework since beginning his career, including apatrolman, the criminal investigation depart-ment and now in administration.

Two other officers are just beginning theircareers.

Braxton Sawyer-Kociemba, a Broken Bownative, just received an associate degree incriminal justice from Mid-Plains CommunityCollege-Broken Bow, and said he grew upplaying cops and robbers.

“I was always the cop,” he said, noting that hehas wanted to be a policeman since he wasfive.

Lisa Citta is a graduate of Dana College inBlair.

“It’s the job I always wanted to have,” shesaid, saying its exciting and she wanted acareer where she could assist the communityshe lived in.

Lt. Rich Hoaglund said he wanted to be anofficer since he was 12, and followed that upwith a associate degree from Mid-PlainsCommunity College.

“Since the day I turned 21, I’ve been an offi-cer,” he said. The now 35-year veteran said helikes the feeling he gets when he helps victimsof a crime.

“I just like the work,” he said. “[We] help peo-ple deal with people who are hurting them. Itgives us an opportunity to bring justice.”

The passion for police work came a little laterin life for Sgt. Kendall Allison, but now 20years into his career, he’s just as passionate asthe rest of the officers in the department.

“It’s pretty rewarding – you’re helping peo-ple,” he said. “Knowing that you did all youcould to solve something, or make a differ-ence.”

Allison said he wasn’t sure what he wanted todo when he entered college.

“I was there to find myself,” he said. A friendof his was working at the jail, and got him ajob, which prompted him to take a criminaljustice class, and he never turned back.

Investigator Russ Poe, who is new to the crim-inal investigation division, grew up outsideBoise where he took classes taught by theNampa, Idaho, Police Department.

“It really got me interested in the wholeaspect,” he said. “It’s something differentevery day.”

Service is one of the main reasons that Poesaid he entered into police work.

“You do get to help people out and have yourchances of saving people,” he said. “You wantto make a difference in your community,because you live in it.”

Poe said he liked the adrenaline of workingon patrol, and said the job is like being on ateam. However, detective work is a little dif-ferent, he said.

“There’s a satisfaction when you close a caseout,” he said.


By Andrew Bottrell

[email protected]

There aren’t too many people in ThomasCounty that Gary Eng doesn’t know.

Eng, a 28-year veteran of law enforcementretired from the Nebraska State Patrol inSeptember 2006 to take on the role of ThomasCounty Sheriff, a county of less than 700 peo-ple centered in Thedford.

“You know everybody,” Eng said. “You try totake care of everybody and work things out

the best that you can. There comes a time youwhen you have to do your job and hope every-one understands that.”

In 2006, Thomas County had been without asheriff for about six months, when Eng, whowas familiar with the area after working sev-eral cases in Thomas County, accepted theappointment from the Governor.

“As an investigator I had worked several casesup here in the time they didn’t have the sher-iff,” he said. “I had received some phone callsand comments ‘why don’t you come be oursheriff.’ I love the small town atmosphere. So,

I visited with my wife,checked with NebraskaState Patrol retirementand decided it was timeto make a change.”

Eng will have six yearsof service in ThomasCounty on Oct. 1.

“Every day is some-thing different,” hesaid. “I plan on run-ning again for theThomas CountySheriff ’s Office. Afterthat term, I’ll be 66. Imight slow down afterthat.”

Eng began his careerin March 1984 as apatrolman for theNebraska State Patrol,stationed in McCook inthe Troop D office,where he was namedofficer of the year bythe McCook Chamber

of Commerce in 1988.

He joined the undercover drug division of theNSP in 1991, and the criminal investigationdivision in April of 2000, where he wasinvolved in the manhunt for Charles Moseswho shot Robert Sedlacek, a farmer, nearPaxton in 2000.

“I was part of doing surveillance for Mosesand doing interviews to follow up,” he said.“There was plenty of work for everybody.”

Moses also shot two Nebraska StatePatrolmen during a shootout, and led policeon a manhunt that ended in Wyoming. He wassentenced to 160 years in prison on Jan. 23,2001.

Eng also received an LECC Accommodationfrom the U.S. Attorney’s Office for his work ona murder case in Custer County near Arnold.

“I worked drug division, undercover for 10years. I enjoyed that,” he said. “I don’t meanto sound morbid, but I did enjoy the deathscenes. Trying to figure out what happenedand putting everything together and present-ing it to a prosecutor. It was quite the chal-lenge.”

Eng’s experience also gives other rural sheriffdepartments in the Sandhills a tool in case ofsuspicious deaths.

“I do consulting with several of the smallersheriff ’s departments,” he said. “If they havea death scene, that looks strange or peculiar,they’ll call me and I’ll go over and help them.

Thomas Co. Sheriff callson State Patrol experience


Badges of Honor 2012

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